How to Tell If Fruit Is Ripe
You’re looking over a bin of watermelons, overwhelmed by the options and unsure which one to choose. You’ve already picked up three melons and pretended to scrutinize each one as if you know what to look for. You start to sweat. This decision could make or break the entire barbecue!
Selecting the best piece of fruit can feel like a gamble. If something isn’t ripe enough, you get hit in the mouth with sour flavors. But if the produce is too ripe, it turns into a mushy mess. Either way, you’ve wasted your money. Never fear: We’re here to tell you exactly what to look for to find a winner every time.
How to choose a ripe avocado
If you’re planning to eat it soon (as in the same day you’re shopping), look for dark green, almost purple skin hues. When ripe, the fruit should give slightly to light pressure. If you’re shopping ahead of time, try to find a forest green skin color — not too light, not too dark, just like Goldilocks intended — and a firmer feel. No matter your timeline, if a small touch makes a big dent, the produce is past its prime.
Expert-level tip: If you need to test avocadoes you have at home, find the small stem at the top of the avocado, then gently flick it. When the stem comes off easily and reveals bright green beneath, the fruit is ripe. When the stem is stuck, the piece isn’t ready yet. This process is best used for avocados you plan to eat right away, because removing the stem may cause the fruit to brown quickly.
How to choose a ripe mango
A big indicator of mango ripeness is smell. Take a whiff near the stem. Are you transported to your last tropical vacation or reminded of your favorite sweet perfume? You’ve found the one. In terms of feel, the ideal mango won’t be mushy, but it should be soft enough for you to leave a slight, temporary dent. Mangoes come in a variety of colors, so no strict rule applies.
How to choose a ripe peach
When perusing peaches, pay close attention to the area around the stem. The best peaches will be golden or warm yellow in that spot, so steer clear of pieces with green or pale yellow colors. Similar to mangoes, ready-to-eat peaches give off a sweet smell, whereas underripe peaches lack aroma.
How to choose ripe strawberries
Unlike other fruits on this list, strawberries stop ripening as soon as they’re picked; if you buy underripe strawberries, you’re stuck with them. To avoid bitter, sour flavors, choose a strawberry package filled with plump pieces. Look for bright red options from top to bottom. Don’t forget to inspect the full package — turn it upside down, look through the sides, etc. — for signs of mold before making your selection.
How to choose a ripe watermelon
When it comes to watermelon, the most aesthetically pleasing pieces are deceptive. Flavorful melons typically have large patches of brown lines (imagine weblike patterns), dark orange or yellow spots and dry stems. Other green flags include matte finishes and deep, dull sounds when knocked. If you’ve narrowed it down to two options, lift them both up and choose the heavier one. Because watermelons are largely made of water, the denser a melon is, the juicier it will be.
The next time you’re in the produce section, we hope you feel confident in your fruit-picking skills.
Bonus: Turn your newfound knowledge into a delicious dish and make our Rainbow Fruit Bowl with Lemon Honey Dressing.
